Trump names civil works official as interim Army chief after Driscoll exit
President Trump has appointed Adam Telle, currently assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works, to serve as acting Army Secretary effective immediately. Telle, a former Senate GOP staffer, takes over after Dan Driscoll resigned amid reported clashes with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move follows a series of senior military officer removals by Hegseth.
Telle brings a legislative background to the role, having served as chief of staff for Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and previously working in the White House Office of Legislative Affairs during Trump's first term. His Senate confirmation for the Civil Works post passed 72-22 last August, indicating bipartisan support for his earlier appointment.
The transition follows Driscoll's brief tenure, which ended after reported friction with Hegseth. Driscoll, a third-generation Army veteran and Vance ally, announced his departure Tuesday without specifying reasons. Hegseth has recently removed several senior officers, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George and Gen. Chris Donahue, signaling continued leadership shakeups across the service.
This rapid leadership turnover at the Army's top civilian post could affect military morale and operational continuity, as service members and defense contractors watch for further instability. The pattern of senior officer removals may signal shifting priorities in Pentagon leadership, potentially influencing recruitment, retention, and how the Army executes its budget and modernization plans. Civilians who rely on Army Corps of Engineers projects may see leadership focus shift, though Telle's familiarity with that portfolio could ease the transition.